I have a 1986 F-150 4x4, with a 300 in it I use just for the winter time. It's just an 'ole pick-up that gets me through the snow, and occasionally some work in the summer. Anyway, the temp gauge was running a little high the other day, and, it was on a cool day, I wasn't hot rodding or anything, just normal driving. The needle came dangerously close to the "H". I've driven this thing in 95 degree weather, and it hasn't even gotton this warm. I'm wondering if the Temp gauge is just flying around, or telling the truth. Does anybody know how to check it's accuracy? I don't wan't to get stranded because my truck overheated! Are there any "quirks" I should be looking for that are characteristic of a "faulty" gauge? Thanks for any help!!

 

Ive never had one give me any problem. Of all the Fords that we have and still do own the temp gauge can always be relied on no matter how old they are or how many miles they have on them. Check the rad. and make sure its not plugged, if thats good then I would replace the thermostat. Also...is your fan clutch working? Good luck and let us know what you can find out.

 

Actually, Ford automotive temperature gauges are notoriously inaccurate, but the factory one in my '95 F150 runs very consistant with my Sport Comp, so I guess I've got mixed feelings on the matter. I have customers all the time, usually in Mustangs, that have erratic temp gauge readings. Sometimes it's the sender, sometimes it's the gauge. There have even been times when it was in the harness. I grew up with racing, and have always believed in installing a quality set of mechanical gauges in my vehicles, but that's just me.

Take care
~Chris

 

I forgot to mention that it probably is a plugged radiator. Problem is, the thing holds coolant perfectly now, ... everytime I've ever flushed one, I've always developed a leek right after

Maybe I'm doing something wrong...

 

I think it depends on how you clean it out. Just took the rad off of our LNT 800 and into the radiator service shop. He was going to get it all cleaned, straightened and cooked out and he made some comment about hoping that it wouldnt leak afterwards. So the pros might even have it happen to them. If it were me...I would pop it out of there and take it in to get serviced. Just find a good, small independent radiator shop and have him clean it up and cook it out for you. Its just the best way to get it clean and in good condition. Good luck.